Cover
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INTRODUCTION
This handbook has
been designed to serve two purposes. First, it provides a
concise overview of the convention and its requirements by
highlighting key features. Second, it makes the convention
easier to use by describing the parts that make up the whole.
The need for a handbook of this kind was stimulated by the
dramatic revision of the International Convention on Standards
of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, 1978 (STCW Convention)
in 1995. In July of that year, the countries which are parties
to this international agreement gathered in a conference at
the International Maritime Organization in London and agreed
to a big package of changes to the convention. These changes
are important to anyone who owns, operates, regulates or serves
on a seagoing ship, as well as anyone concerned with the qualifications
of seafarers.
The package of changes to the STCW Convention (known as the
1995 Amendments) is not only lengthy, but also complicated
to anyone who may not already be familiar with the principles
that give it a foundation, or with the concepts that serve
as the building blocks. Those who read this handbook should
find the convention itself easier to understand and use.
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